Thankful for 2014

Happy New Year everyone, I hope everyone had a fun and safe Holiday season. It is absolutely crazy how quickly 2014 has flown by. But I am more than ready to say goodbye and say hello to 2015. This year was definitely a learning experience. It wasn't the worst year I've had but it wasn't necessarily the best. I overcame quite a few obstacles, learned a few lessons, lost some friendships, gained some friendships, etc. It is safe to say that through all of the blessings and heartache this year has brought me, I've really found myself. Today I wanted to share with you all a few things I am thankful for from 2014. Enjoy!

1. My Boyfriend

So cliche, I know. This year has definitely been a roller coaster ride, but we got through every obstacle and bump in the road together. I couldn't be more thankful that he stuck by my side through it all. I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for us! With graduation quickly approaching for the both of us, it is sure to be an exciting year. Watch out real world, we're coming for ya!

2. New Friendships

I've met so many new friends this year who have all had such a great impact in my life. I've also rekindled quite a few old friendships from high school. I'm so thankful for all of the amazing people I have in my life! 

3. Lost Friendships

I've lost a few friendships this year, friendships I've had since preschool unfortunately. It's always sad to see a 20+ year long friendship end, but it's taught me that as we grow older, some friendships are bound to grow apart. People change and you must always remember what you are deserving of and know when it's time to let go, no matter how badly it may hurt.

4. Family

Being Italian, family has always been the most important aspect of my life and we've always been close. But this last year we've been even more close. I unexpectedly lost my grandmother in 2013 and it was definitely a wake up call to cherish every minute I am able to spend with my family. 

5. Blogging

I've only been blogging for about six months now, so I'm still fairly new. But I am amazed at the impact it has had on my life thus far. I've met new friends through it, was presented with some amazing opportunities and it has helped me with my self-confidence a tremendous amount. I am excited to see where blogging takes me in 2015!

What are you thankful for from 2014?

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Sunday Thanks

Happy Sunday everyone! I've seen quite a few bloggers do a "Sunday Thanks" post and talk about a few things they were thankful for that week. I love the idea and decided to jump on the bandwagon! Hopefully this a post I'll be able to keep up with every Sunday! So without further adieu, here are a few things I was extra thankful for this week:

1. My boyfriend

Okay this is probably such a cliche, but I couldn't leave him out. I've been studying like a maniac these last few weeks for the LSAT and it's put me on edge. I've definitely been a pain, but instead of getting annoyed with me like most probably would, he's been nothing but supportive! I don't know how I'd get through weeks like this without out, but hopefully I'll never have to find out. 

2. Helpful professors

It's few and far that you get lucky enough to come across one of those life-changing professors. No, but really, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life until I took a class with one particular professor a few years ago. His class was challenging, but he passion for being a lawyer really struck me and that was when it all came together. It's really great to know that even though I haven't taken a class of his in a year now, I can still always go to him when I need any sort of help. 

3. Study guides

A week full of tests makes for one unhappy girl. However, I most certainly appreciate a professor who not only takes the time to make a very thorough study guide, but also has a review for it as well! Four for you professor! Thanks for making my hectic week a little more bearable. 

4. The beauty of fall

Another cliche, but who really doesn't love how pretty the tree's look when the leaves are changing? I don't think I've ever really fully appreciated how beautiful this season really is. My boyfriend who goes to school in Alabama has been talking about how much he misses this time of year (he's still suffering 80 degree weather) and that's when it really hit me. L.M Montgomery said it best, "I'm so glad I live in a place where there are Octobers."

What are you thankful for?

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Tips For Law School

Hi everyone, hopefully you're not suffering from the Monday blues too badly! As I'm gearing up to take the LSAT in December and begin the law school app process, I wanted to share with you all a few tip and tricks I've learned these past few years as an undergrad. 

Did you really think I'd pass up the opportunity to add a little something from Legally Blonde?

• Begin studying for the LSAT as soon as possible. Everyone has the tendency to procrastinate, especially for tests like this. Don't. Do. It. Start studying as early and as much as you can. There is too much material to try to cram in a month before your test date. And at $170, you probably don't want to be retaking it if you don't have to.
  
  
• Take LSAT Prep Courses. I can't tell you all how helpful these can be. Some of these courses can be pricey but if you talk to your Pre-Law advisor and have enough students interested, your school may be able to host a free session (mine did last year). Also, some programs may offer a second course for free if you're not happy with your LSAT score and plan on taking it again. In the end, even if you can't find a free one, they are definitely worth every dollar.
  
  
• Don't sell your books back. I made this rookie mistake a few years back, and I am still getting over the regret. University book store rip you off 99.9% of the time anyway, so why not? My Con Law class had a book full of all of the Supreme Court Cases in it, it was a pretty pricey book (around $100, I think?). I got about $20 back for it, and later to find out everyone from class was planning on keeping for other classes. Yeah, still kicking myself over that one.
  
  
• Same goes for notes. Keep a binder/storage box/whatever you may chose, and put all of your notes from classes in it. You never know when they may come in handy. My Con Law professor told us a story about how a former student of his kept all of his notes and used them in his law school level Con Law class, with help from that, he breezed through the class.
  
  
• Get involved in moot court/mock trial. If your school has a moot court or mock trial team, get involved! Especially if you plan on becoming a lawyer. It wasn't until I joined my school's moot court team that I was set on wanting to become a lawyer. It really gives you insight on what it's like to be a lawyer/how much work it really takes. It looks great to law schools, and they also offer a bit of an incentive if you can make it to nationals. Every year Moot Court Nationals is held at a law school (last year it was held at Arizona State, this year it's at Florida International), that school offers a free application to every competitor, which is awesome! Even if you weren't considering that school before, with the price of applications today, you definitely can't pass that up.

Are any of you Pre-Law, or in law school currently? Share any tips you may have in the comments! Please follow via GFC or Blog Lovin' if you haven't!

What I've Been Watching

Happy first day of October everyone, I hope you're all having a great week! Today's post is a bit different than my usual. I thought it would be fun to round up a few of my favorite shows that I have been watching religiously lately. Sooo, without further adieu.... 

1. Gossip Girl: I'm kind of ashamed to say I never really got into the whole Gossip Girl hype when it was actually on. I finally caved and started watching it on Netflix during last winter break. I got through season 3 before school started again in full force, needless to say, I never got to finish it. I started it over again a few weeks ago and I am determined to finish it! 

2. Real Housewives of NJ: I've been hooked to this series since season 1. I'm quite partial to the entire Real Housewives series, but NJ definitely takes the cake for my favorite. While I miss the original ladies (AKA Caroline and Jacqueline), this season has still definitely been an interesting one. On the plus side, Manzo'd With Children will be starting this Sunday so you can bet I'm looking forward to that! 

3. Dance Moms: Okay, this one is a guilty pleasure. The drama is nauseating and 99.9% fake, but the has-been dancer in me says "do not turn off" and always wins. Maybe I'll get sick of it soon enough (probably not), but for now, it's definitely one of my favorites.

4. Don't Be Tardy: Kim was my favorite Atlanta housewife, I was absolutely devastated when she abruptly left the show. So when she got her own spin-off a few years ago, of course I was ecstatic! I hate that it only comes on once a year, and is only a half hour long (take a hint Bravo: MAKE IT AN HOUR). This past season was also disappointingly short, so I am definitely looking forward to more episode, even if so a year away. 

What are some of your favorite shows? 

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